Progress 05/01/23 to 04/30/24
Outputs
Target Audience:TARGET AUDIENCE 1: We recruited the first of two groups of 3 Climate Hub Fellows (one each in NE, OK and TX) as Professional Master's students from diverse backgrounds and with strong interests in careers with USDA agencies. Climate Hub Fellows learn climate-smart agriculture practices, develop inclusive leadership skills, and explore career opportunities with USDA. TARGET AUDIENCE 2: We recruited and are supporting the first of two cohorts of 12 educators and natural resource professionals as agents of change. Cohort participants from diverse backgrounds are studying current science and pedagogy, designing and implementing high-impact education and outreach modules focused on climate-smart agriculture in their classes or programming, and will conduct workshops to engage their peers for broader adoptions. TARGET AUDIENCE 3: We are collaborating with the Climate Hubs to develop outreach and education resources (some in Spanish) focused on climate literacy and pyric-herbivory and multi-species grazing as climate-smart agricultural practices. The audience for these resources is directed to landowners and natural resource managers to develop awareness of climate-smart agriculture and learn how to implement pyric-herbivory and multi-species grazing. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Training Activities Throughout the past year, our project has provided substantial training opportunities to various stakeholders involved in the project. Extension Specialists played a central role in this aspect by organizing and leading 23 in-service training sessions and field days. These events were designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of participants from diverse backgrounds. The training sessions included: In-Service Training and Field Days: These events were conducted across several locations and addressed a variety of topics relevant to land management, climate adaptation, and best practices in rangeland stewardship. For example, topics included prescribed burning techniques, grazing management strategies, and the impact of seasonal fire on plant communities, which all connect to climate smart agricultural practices. Participation Breakdown: The training sessions engaged approximately 1,201 individuals, including 137 landowners, 150 agency personnel, 23 students, 14 collaborators, and 877 general attendees. This diverse audience ensured that the training had a broad impact, reaching those who directly manage or influence land use practices as well as those with a general interest in these areas. Professional Development In addition to the training activities, significant professional development opportunities were provided to enhance the expertise and knowledge of those involved in the project: Climate Hub Fellows: A key professional development activity for the Climate Hub Fellows was their participation in the Society for Range Management (SRM) national conference. This event was crucial for expanding their knowledge base, allowing them to interact with experts in the field, and providing them with insights into the latest research and practices. The conference also offered networking opportunities that could lead to future collaborations and contributions to SRM and other professional organizations. SimUText Climate Change Resource: Grant project members had access to the SimUText Climate Change resource, which provided an interactive platform for learning about climate change and its impacts. This resource was used as a supplementary tool to deepen understanding and apply new knowledge in practical scenarios. Summer 2023 Executive Team Meeting: Executive team members on the grant met in June 2023 at the Southern Climate Hub to bond and strategize the execution of the grant. This entailed educational sessions about the Climate Hubs, a focused review of the program proposal, and project management. Webinars and Conferences: Members of the grant project participated in several webinars and conferences throughout the year. These included state and national meetings organized by the Society for Range Management. Attending these events allowed grant members to stay updated on current trends, research findings, and technological advancements in the field of range management and climate science. Ongoing Learning: The availability of diverse learning resources, such as webinars, workshops, and study groups, contributed to continuous professional development. By engaging in these activities, individuals involved in the project were able to build on their existing knowledge, address emerging challenges, and apply best practices in their work. Overall, the training and professional development opportunities provided through this project have significantly contributed to enhancing the skills and expertise of everyone involved. These efforts not only improved individual capabilities but also fostered a collaborative environment that supports the ongoing advancement of knowledge and practice in the fields of rangeland management and climate adaptation. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?To effectively disseminate results and foster public engagement, a range of outreach activities have been undertaken, targeting diverse communities of interest. These activities include publications, presentations, in-service trainings, outreach events, and media engagements and are noted in Part 2 & 3 of the REEport. Publications: A series of comprehensive publications have been released to inform and educate various stakeholders: Technical Reports and Guides: Detailed reports on wildfire seasons, woody encroachment, and brush management standards have been published by TAMU AgriLife Extension Service and available online. These resources include guides such as the "Reducing Woody Encroachment in Grasslands: A Pocket Guide for Planning and Design" and "Integrated Pest Management for Woody Encroachment." Research Findings: Studies on rangeland production losses and plant responses to fire have been disseminated through accessible online documents, providing valuable insights into managing Great Plains grasslands. Specialized Publications: Articles on rangeland management and collaborative projects have been featured in relevant online media and print publications, expanding reach to both practitioners and academics. Presentations: A variety of presentations have been delivered to engage different audiences: Workshops and Conferences: Keynotes and sessions at events such as the USDA-NRCS National Burn Schools and International Grassland Congress have provided in-depth training on prescribed fire techniques, grazing management, and rangeland conservation. Field Days and Tours: On-the-ground demonstrations, including multi-species patch burn grazing and drought management strategies, have been presented to landowners, livestock producers, and conservationists in multiple states. Educational Outreach: Specialized talks at veterinary schools, cattlemen's conferences, and conservation training sessions have targeted specific groups, enhancing their understanding of fire management and grazing practices. In-Service Trainings and Field Days: Organized events have been crucial in reaching stakeholders directly: Training Sessions: Numerous prescribed burn schools and field days have been held across Oklahoma, Nebraska, and Texas, providing hands-on experience and education to landowners, agency personnel, and students. Demonstrations: Live demonstrations of patch burn grazing and other management practices have been conducted to showcase effective techniques and tools in action. Outreach Booths: Interactive booths at conferences and association meetings have facilitated direct engagement with a broader audience: Conferences and Meetings: Presence at events such as the Oklahoma Conservation Commission Crossroads Conference and the Oklahoma Women in Ag Conference has allowed for personal interaction and dissemination of information. Media and Social Media: Efforts to broaden the reach of research findings through digital platforms: Blogs and Webpages: Regular blog updates and informational webpages have provided ongoing education to a wide audience, including updated plant treatment recommendations and conservation strategies. Other Media: Features on platforms like RFD TV and podcasts have extended the reach of research insights to a general audience, helping to raise awareness about Great Plains conservation and fire management. These diverse dissemination strategies have not only enhanced public understanding but also generated increased interest in careers related to science, climate smart agriculture practices, and conservation, contributing to the broader goals of education and professional development in these fields. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?In the upcoming reporting cycle, we will advance several components of our grant proposal. This fall, our Climate Hub Fellows are set to lead a USDA Careers Webinar. This event will be targeted towards undergraduates, stakeholders, and will include participants from three Research 1 institutions: Texas A&M University, the University of Nebraska, and Oklahoma State University. Additionally, these students will have completed their inaugural summer internship in collaboration with two USDA Climate Hubs, culminating in the presentation of an e-portfolio that highlights their learning and experiences throughout the internship. The Educator Cohort will have successfully finished their Summer Workshop and attended 95% of the scheduled monthly meetings. They will also have submitted their developed module or curriculum. Furthermore, we will have selected the second group of Climate Hub Fellows and the next cohort of Educators. Overall, we are making significant progress toward the two primary goals outlined in our proposal. The objectives will be further pursued and expanded in the coming year. Specifically, we will focus on the completion and evaluation of Climate Hub Fellow Group 1 and Educator Cohort 2. Extension specialists will continue to create online resources centered on climate literacy, pyric herbivory, and multi-species grazing. We are also in the process of updating the Prairie Project website to better reflect and promote the efforts of the Climate Hub Partnership Program for the upcoming year.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
GOAL 1: ISSUE OR PROBLEM: The project aims to address the need for a diverse and capable workforce that can effectively communicate and integrate climate-smart agricultural practices into managing working lands. This has involved recruiting and supporting the first group of 3 Climate Hub Fellows and first cohort of twelve educators and natural resource professionals from diverse backgrounds, providing them with tailored education and hands-on experiences to build their expertise and leadership skills. The goal is to foster agents of change who can promote and implement sustainable agricultural practices to mitigate climate risks. Target Audience 1, the 3 Climate Hub Fellows and Target Audience 2, our 12-member Educator cohort were immediately impacted by this work. Climate Hub Fellows: Major activities completed: Climate Hub Fellow Group 1 completed the following learning activities: Climate Hub Fellow Roadmap Course: The objectives of the course are to study the fundamentals of climate change science, explore specific climate challenges in Great Plains rangelands and identify solutions through climate-smart agricultural practices. Fellows will also develop an ePortfolio to document their learning journey. Additionally, they will formulate a personalized degree plan, outlining their committee and coursework by semester, and develop a proposal for their Climate Hub summer internship project in Summer 2024. WFSC 689 Leadership in Natural Resource Management: All Fellows took a leadership graduate course. The Leadership in Natural Resource Management graduate course aims to develop the knowledge, skills, and perspectives necessary for leading within the complex and dynamic field of natural resource management. Summer Internship 1: Supported students and Climate Hubs in the design of 3 summer internships in partnership with the Southern and Northern Plains Climate Hubs and our Extension Specialists. Data collected, Summary statistics and Discussion of results. All 3 Fellows completed and mastered the SimUText Module within the Climate Hub Fellow Roadmap Course on Climate Change. Additionally, they completed and mastered the Leadership in Natural Resource Management Course. Each student wrote a leadership philosophy paper. A qualitative survey and focus group interview were conducted with the Fellows to explore their learning and gain feedback on program elements to adjust for future fellows. Fellows reported that their knowledge increased about climate change, which has given them new perspectives. Another student reported that they have learned how to work in a hybrid environment and how to collaborate and delegate more effectively. All students reported an increased level of confidence in graduate school and an appreciation for the support system established in this program. From a programmatic lens, Fellows reported enhanced learning about climate change from the SimUText lessons, the diverse speakers, relationships built, etc. They hope to see improvements on the types, structure, and instructions on assignments. Key outcomes or other accomplishments realized (logic model) As noted in our Logic Model, Climate Hub Fellows learned climate-smart agriculture practices, developed inclusive leadership skills, and explored career opportunities with USDA. Educator Cohort: Major activities completed: Recruitment: Recruited a diverse pool of educators to serve in the first cohort. Summer Workshop: Designed an intensive summer workshop that was a blend of two days of virtual content and three days of field tours. Implementation was after this reporting period and will be noted in the next annual report. Data collected, Summary statistics and Discussion of results. Applications: Explained why they were interested in the program. Applicants shared theClimate Hub Partnership Program fits into various curricula and positions by providing valuable content and resources that enhance teaching and practical applications in agriculture, environmental science, and conservation. The partnership will help educators in diverse regions address specific local challenges, such as woody plant control in Oklahoma and sustainable practices in the rapidly developing areas of Texas. Additionally, the collaboration will support outreach to underrepresented communities and foster equitable participation in climate-smart practices. Program Demographics: Organizations: 3 extension, 1 college four-year, 1 college two-year, 1 elementary, 1 state agency, 1 federal agency. Gender: 7 women and 6 men Location: 4 Nebraska, 4 Texas, 3 Oklahoma, 1 Kansas Key outcomes or other accomplishments realized (logic model) As noted in the logic model, cohorts of educators and natural resource professionals learn current science of climate-smart agriculture and evidence-based pedagogy for effective engagement of their students and stakeholders. GOAL 2: ISSUE OR PROBLEM: The project addresses the challenge of promoting resilience and sustainability in the Great Plains rangelands by developing scalable approaches to engage land managers and the public. The focus is on leveraging existing research and demonstration sites, creating educational and outreach programs for diverse and underserved groups, and utilizing online resources and social media campaigns to enhance climate literacy and the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices such as pyric-herbivory and multi-species grazing. The goal is to build awareness, support, and implementation of sustainable practices among stakeholders. Programming at Research and Demonstration Ranches: Major activities completed We aim to empower a diverse group of stakeholders, including extension agents, educators, researchers, and agricultural professionals, to become effective communicators of climate-smart agricultural practices. By providing training, resources, and support, we enable these agents of change to integrate practices like pyric-herbivory and multi-species grazing into sustainable rangeland management strategies. By focusing on these goals, our outreach and extension efforts contribute to building a knowledgeable and empowered network capable of implementing climate-smart agricultural practices, thereby safeguarding the health and productivity of Great Plains rangelands for future generations. Data collected, Summary statistics and Discussion of results. The project has produced 7peer reviewed conference presentations, 51 regional and/or local presentations, 23 in-service trainings and field days, 4 outreach booths and 3 demonstrations. The total number of attendees, participants, and landowners who engaged in presentations (2,119) and in-service trainings and field days (1,201) are >3,320. The engagement among our three states is notable and interest about climate smart agricultural practices is growing as you will see in our social media section. Key outcomes or other accomplishments realized (logic model) As noted in the logic model, landowners and natural resource managers develop awareness of climate-smart agriculture and learn how to implement pyric-herbivory and multi-species grazing. Online Resources and Social Media Campaigns: Major activities completed The project has produced 9 publications and various other products including, 1 case study, 1 blog, 1 webpage, and 2 other media items. Data collected, Summary statistics and Discussion of results. Within our social media platforms, the reach between two URLs totaled 1,163,770 (Facebook) and 94,513 (Instagram). The engagements between the two URLs totaled 31, 934 (Facebook) and 9,002 (Instagram). Individuals are engaging with our content through likes, comments, shares, and saves. The reach of our content is vast. Key outcomes or other accomplishments realized (logic model) As noted in the logic model, landowners and natural resource managers develop awareness of climate-smart agriculture and learn how to implement pyric-herbivory and multi-species grazing.
Publications
- Type:
Other
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Burson, D.* V. Donovan, C. Baldwin, P. Bauman, M. Treadwell, D. Twidwell, J. Weir, and C. Wonkka. 2023. The new wildfire season RWFM-PU-410. TAMU AgriLife Extension Service.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Fogarty, D., C. Baldwin, P. Bauman, D. Cram, L. Goodman, A. Thompson, M. Treadwell, and D. Twidwell. 2023. Reducing woody encroachment in grasslands: a pocket guide for planning and design. https://www.wlfw.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Woody-Encroachments-Pocket-Guide-LOW-RES-FINAL-062623.pdf
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Fogarty, D., C. Baldwin, P. Bauman, J. Beaver, R. Bruegger, D. Cram, L. Goodman, T. Hovick, A. Overlin, J.D. Scasta, C. Spackman, A. Thompson, M. Treadwell, and D. Twidwell. 2023. Integrated Pest Management for Woody Encroachment. https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2023-07/GPGEP_UNL_03_IPM.pdf
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Hoskins, A.*, D. Burson*, C. Matzke, and M.L. Treadwell. 2023. Plant response to seasonal fire in the Edwards Plateau, High Plains, and Rolling Plains RWFM-PU-412. TAMU AgriLife Extension Service.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Stephenson, M. B., "Healthy grazinglands and managing during drought", Nebraska Cattlemen Magazine, March 2023. (http://nebraskacattleman.org/NCMarch2023/)
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Parsons, J., M. Stephenson, K. Martens, G. Meredith, D. Uden. "The Center for Agricultural Profitability Contributes to Collaborative Adaptive Management Project at the Barta Brothers Ranch", Cornhusker Economics, March 3, 2023 (https://agecon.unl.edu/center-agricultural-profitability-contributes-collaborative-adaptive-management-project-barta)
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
Concilio A, Macik M, Wu XB. 2024. An Interrupted Case Study on Urban Prairie Restoration. CourseSource 11. https://doi.org/10.24918/cs.2024.10
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Fogarty, D., C. Baldwin, P. Bauman, J. Beaver, R. Bruegger, D. Cram, L. Goodman, T. Hovick, A. Overlin, J.D. Scasta, C. Spackman, A. Thompson, M. Treadwell, and D. Twidwell. 2023. Remove, Reduce, or Manipulate? Best Practices for Brush Management Conservation Standards in Great Plains Grasslands https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/60143e4f3362793ccc653755/648c6c2a2964f2f00eaf436d_GPGEP_UNL_02_Brush%20Management.pdf
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Fogarty, D., C. Baldwin, P. Bauman, J. Beaver, R. Bruegger, D. Cram, L. Goodman, T. Hovick, A. Overlin, J.D. Scasta, C. Spackman, A. Thompson, M. Treadwell, and D. Twidwell. 2023. Rangeland production losses to woody encroachment in Great Plains grasslands. https://uploads-ssl.webflow.com/60143e4f3362793ccc653755/648c6c2756e0d93576b382bd_GPGEP_UNL_01_Production%20Losses.pdf
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Wu XB, Dixon STS, Goodman L, Treadwell M, Poling N, Keshwani J, Ingram E, Yockers B, Macik M. 2023. An integrated education-extension approach for developing agents of change and innovations to affect cultural change - Promoting adoption and public support of pyric herbivory and multi-species grazing. The 2nd International Congress on Fire in the Earth System: Humans and Nature. July 4-8, 2023, Granada, Spain.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Yockers B, Ingram E, Keshwani J, Poling N, Dixon STS, Macik M, Goodman L, Treadwell M, Wu XB. 2023. Developing learning experiences to increase student understanding of rangeland ecosystem services and the essential role of fire and herbivory. The 2nd International Congress on Fire in the Earth System: Humans and Nature. July 4-8, 2023, Granada, Spain.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
O'Keefe K, Weid J, Wu XB. 2023 Using geospatial data in a woody encroachment case-study for undergraduate ecology students. Ecological Society of America 2023 Annual Meeting.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2023
Citation:
Reichart LM, Keshwani J, Wu XB. 2023. A new course-based undergraduate research experience using the Rangeland Analysis Platform to investigate regional change of vegetative coverage in grassland landscapes. Wildlife Societys Annual Conference, Louisville, KY. November 2023.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
Wu XB, Brown J. 2024. How can public understanding of rangelands and their importance increase? 2024 Society for Range Management Annual Meeting, Sparks, NV. February 2024.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
Goodman L, Spiegal S. 2024. What grazing management practices can help ranchers successfully adapt to climate change while also supporting healthy rangeland ecosystems? 2024 Society for Range Management Annual Meeting, Sparks, NV. February 2024.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2024
Citation:
Treadwell M, Cibils A. 2024. How can the accessibility of relevant science and tools be improved? 2024 Society for Range Management Annual Meeting, Sparks, NV. February 2024.
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